Hariprasanth
Nov 11, 2025
Electronics manufacturers need to keep a close eye on regulatory changes coming out of China, especially when they hit supply chains hard. The China GB 26572-2025 RoHS standard marks a big step toward mandatory environmental controls in the world's biggest market for gadgets and gear. If your operation involves making or shipping products there, you'd better get the lowdown now to steer clear of headaches down the road.
What is GB 26572-2025- Its Impact on Electronics Manufacturers
The standard titled Requirements for Restricted Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Products (GB 26572-2025) is the first time China has introduced a mandatory national standard in its RoHS regime. It replaces the previous voluntary/recommended standard GB/T 26572‑2011 and integrates labelling requirements previously set out under SJ/T 11364‑2024.
For electronics manufacturers (both domestic in China and exporters into China), the impact is substantial:
Products produced, sold or imported into China must meet stricter substance-limits and labelling rules.
Materials, components and supply chains must be audited for the expanded list of hazardous substances.
Compliance will no longer be optional or lightly enforced: non-compliant products may face removal from the China market or blocked imports.
The clock is ticking: the standard takes effect on 1 August 2027.
For companies exporting electronics into China, Certivo provides complete China RoHS compliance 2027 guidance, from product assessment to supplier verification.
Key changes: GB 26572-2025 Hazardous Substances List & Phthalates Restrictions
One of the headline changes in the standard relates to the list of restricted substances. Under GB 26572-2025, the number of categories expands significantly.
Previously, the standard (GB/T 26572-2011) listed six restricted substances: lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs).
Under the new rule the substances expand to ten, by adding four phthalates:
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)
Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP)
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
These additions mean manufacturers must now pay attention to “GB 26572-2025 restricted substances list 10 phthalates” and ensure their components and finished products are free (or within allowed limits) of these phthalates in addition to the original six substances.
The concentration limits follow global norms: typically ≤ 0.1% (1000 ppm) for the non-cadmium substances, and ≤ 0.01% for cadmium.
The term “China RoHS phthalates restrictions” therefore becomes a key focus for companies manufacturing electronics with plasticised materials, cables, housings, connectors or other elements that may use phthalates.
Labelling requirements: GB 26572-2025
Another core pillar of the standard is labelling. Under the previous regime of China RoHS, labelling was required but more variably applied. With GB 26572-2025 the labelling provisions become mandatory and more rigorous.
Key labelling changes include:
Integration of the content from SJ/T 11364 into the national standard, meaning that information disclosure about hazardous substances and environment-friendly use periods will be required.
Introduction of digital labelling or alternative data carriers, such as QR codes or product display screens, to communicate hazardous substance information.
For Category I products (those listed in a compliance catalogue) both substance limits and labelling apply; Category II products (others) will at a minimum need the labelling requirements.
Thus, manufacturers must embed labelling logic early — not just ensure materials are compliant with “GB 26572-2025 hazardous substances” but also meet “GB 26572-2025 labelling requirements”.
Testing methods for China RoHS:
Meeting the restrictions is one thing — proving it via testing is another. The standard explicitly references testing methods under the GB/T 39560 series.
So, “China RoHS testing methods” become essential for manufacturers and suppliers. The take-aways here:
Testing must look at homogeneous materials for each restricted substance in the list of ten.
Accredited labs in China (with CMA/CNAS) will be needed if you want a credible test report.
Early testing and supplier component screening will reduce last-minute surprises when the standard becomes mandatory.
Certivo’s accredited testing partners can help verify materials using the official China RoHS testing methods required under the GB/T 39560 series
Transition timeline: How to comply with China RoHS GB 26572-2025
Manufacturers often ask: what exactly is the transition period, and how should we prepare? The good news: there is a transition built in — but you should treat it as a countdown.
The standard GB 26572-2025 was officially released on 1 August 2025.
It comes into full effect on 1 August 2027.
Some sources state that products produced or imported before the effective date must comply by 13 months post-implementation, i.e., by 1 August 2028.
Therefore, you should treat “pre-August 2027 production” as a grace-period but not assume slack. Prepare for “mandatory China RoHS standard August 2027” and aim to be fully compliant well ahead of that date.
Practical steps now:
Map all products and components that fall within the scope of the standard.
Build a timeline to complete material screening, labelling update, testing and documentation by mid-2027 at the latest.
Communicate with suppliers to ensure they understand the expanded list (i.e., phthalates) and provide necessary declarations or test reports.
Update design and sourcing decisions now to avoid costly redesign later.
If you’re planning how to comply with the China RoHS GB 26572-2025 transition period, Certivo’s compliance consultants can create a practical roadmap aligned with your manufacturing cycle.
Differences between GB 26572-2025 and EU RoHS
Many manufacturers already deal with the EU RoHS Directive regime, so they ask: how does GB 26572-2025 compare?
Substance list: EU RoHS already addresses (in its later amendments) the phthalates added in GB 26572-2025. So in that sense, China is aligning more closely.
Scope and enforcement: China’s standard applies to electrical and electronic products produced, imported or sold into China, and the standard is mandatory from 2027. EU RoHS has its own enforcement regime across EU Member States.
Labelling & information disclosure: China explicitly mandates labelling and information tables under GB 26572-2025, and introduces digital labelling options. EU RoHS focuses more on substance limits rather than the same suite of digital labelling.
Product categorisation: GB 26572-2025 uses Category I/Category II distinctions based on a compliance catalogue. EU RoHS typically applies uniformly across covered products, although exemptions exist.
Practical Compliance Checklist For Electronics Manufacturers
To operationalise everything above, here’s a practical checklist to guide your compliance journey under GB 26572-2025:
Identify products in scope
Determine which of your products fall under electrical and electronic products category in China.
Map supply-chain and materials
Identify components/materials that may contain any of the ten restricted substances (including phthalates).
Request supplier declarations or test data for lead, mercury, cadmium, Cr⁶⁺, PBBs, PBDEs, DBP, DIBP, BBP, DEHP.
Testing & documentation
Engage accredited labs for chemical analysis under GB/T 39560 series or equivalent.
Retain reports, inspection records and supplier documentation.
Labelling upgrade
Design labelling (including digital options if desired) to reflect restricted substance info, environment-friendly use period (EFUP) or other information mandated under GB 26572-2025 labelling requirements.
Update packaging, instruction manuals, and product marking as necessary.
Catalogue classification
Determine whether each product is Category I (listed) or Category II (not listed) and apply the relevant compliance burden.
Timing & transition management
Set project deadlines for redesign, materials substitution or alternative sourcing by mid-2027.
Plan for inventory produced before 1 Aug 2027 and ensure clearance or conversion by 1 Aug 2028 if needed.
Design for compliance
Where feasible, redesign products to avoid the restricted substances altogether. Choose compliant materials and components from the outset.
Document material decisions, change logs and supplier accountability.
Training & internal process updates
Educate your engineering, procurement and quality teams about the standard.
Embed a compliance workflow so future product designs automatically consider the ten restricted substances and labelling obligations.
Audit and monitor
Periodically audit your supplier chain to ensure ongoing compliance.
Monitor regulatory changes — China may update the standard or add further substances in future.
Why Preparing Now Matters
Manufacturers who delay risk steep consequences. The transition period under “How to comply with China RoHS GB 26572-2025 transition period” gives some breathing space — but markets move quickly. Non-compliant products may face denied customs entry, market recall, reputational damage or forced redesigns.
Moreover, as more jurisdictions push sustainability and green manufacturing, your early compliance with China’s standard may become a competitive advantage: less risk, lower supply chain disruption, stronger market access.
This isn’t simply about ticking boxes: it’s about embedding good materials governance, improving transparency, aligning global manufacturing with sustainable practices.
At Certivo, we specialize in helping global manufacturers understand and implement evolving compliance frameworks like the China GB 26572-2025 RoHS standard.
Conclusion
The China GB 26572-2025 RoHS standard is not just another update — it marks a significant milestone in the evolution of China RoHS compliance. With an expanded substance list (including four key phthalates), new labelling and testing demands, and a clear timeline to compliance (mandatory from August 1 2027), manufacturers must act now. If your business deals in electronics that will be produced, sold or imported into China, you have a window of opportunity to prepare, streamline and lead rather than scramble.
By proactively mapping your supply chain, validating your materials, updating your labelling and embedding compliance into your design and procurement processes, you can navigate the transition smoothly and confidently. In doing so, you’re not just meeting regulatory requirements — you’re advancing a future-proof approach in a global marketplace that expects both innovation and responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is GB 26572-2025 and its impact on electronics manufacturers?
GB 26572-2025 is China’s new mandatory RoHS standard regulating hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products. It replaces the earlier voluntary version (GB/T 26572-2011) and expands the list of restricted substances to ten, including four phthalates. For electronics manufacturers, it means stricter control of materials, new labeling duties, and full compliance by August 2027 to continue selling products in China.
2. When does the China GB 26572-2025 RoHS standard become mandatory?
The GB 26572-2025 RoHS standard officially takes effect on August 1, 2027. Manufacturers have a transition window until then to test materials, update product labeling, and align their documentation to meet the new compliance requirements under China RoHS 2027.
3. What are the key GB 26572-2025 hazardous substances?
The new China RoHS standard restricts ten substances: lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺), PBBs, PBDEs, and four phthalates — DBP, DIBP, BBP, and DEHP. These are known to pose environmental and health risks, making compliance essential for responsible manufacturing.
4. What are the new China RoHS phthalates restrictions?
Under GB 26572-2025, China has added four phthalates to its restricted list. These chemicals are often used as plasticizers in cables, coatings, and plastic components. Manufacturers must ensure their concentration levels don’t exceed 0.1%, matching the global RoHS norms.
5. What are the GB 26572-2025 labeling requirements?
Manufacturers must now include clear information on hazardous substances, environment-friendly use periods (EFUP), and recycling details. Labels can be physical or digital (QR codes or electronic displays). These requirements ensure transparency for consumers and regulators.
6. How are China RoHS testing methods performed under GB 26572-2025?
Testing must follow the GB/T 39560 series methods. Accredited laboratories in China (CMA/CNAS approved) will analyze homogeneous materials for all ten restricted substances. Proper testing ensures your materials and products meet China RoHS compliance 2027 standards.
7. How to comply with China RoHS GB 26572-2025 transition period?
Start early. Identify products in scope, test materials, update labeling, and train your suppliers. Documentation and supplier declarations should align with GB 26572-2025. Aim for full compliance before August 2027, not after.
8. What is the GB 26572-2025 restricted substances list (10 phthalates)?
The restricted list now includes the original six heavy metals and flame retardants, plus four phthalates: DBP, DIBP, BBP, and DEHP. These additions align China’s rules more closely with EU RoHS, tightening global consistency.
9. What are the main differences between GB 26572-2025 and EU RoHS?
Both restrict similar substances, but China’s GB 26572-2025 emphasizes labeling, product categorization (Category I & II), and a national compliance catalogue. EU RoHS focuses more on substance limits, while China mandates detailed public disclosure and specific digital labeling options.